The Indiana State Department of Health is requiring all seniors (2015-2016) to have two meningitis vaccines. This is the 2nd year for this requirement. Most students received their first meningitis vaccine in 2010. By the start of the 2015-2016 school year, the second meningitis vaccine is required for all senior students. The rare exception will be if your student had their 1st meningitis vaccine at age 16 or older. These students would only need one meningitis vaccine.

The Kosciusko County Health Department Immunization Clinic will be able to administer your student’s vaccines if your child is: covered by Medicaid, uninsured, or if you have insurance that does not cover the cost of immunizations.

If you have insurance that covers the cost of immunizations, you can obtain these vaccines by contacting your own physician first. If your physician does not carry vaccinations in their office, you may call Pediatric Healthcare at 574-269-8338 and see if your student qualifies for their service.

If you have any question or need more information please contact your school nurse.

The Kosciusko County Health Department Immunization Clinic will be able to administer your student’s vaccines if your child is: covered by Medicaid, uninsured, or if you have insurance that does not cover the cost of immunizations.

If you have insurance that covers the cost of immunizations, you can obtain these vaccines by contacting your own physician first. If your physician does not carry vaccinations in their office, you may call Pediatric Healthcare at 574-269-8338 and see if your student qualifies for their service.

If you have questions or need more information please contact your school nurse.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to poison control centers across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. Poisonings are also one of the leading causes of death among adults.

National Poison Prevention Week, the third week in March each year, is a week nationally designated to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. However, every day people can and do prevent poisonings. We invite you to review the information from the resources listed below and become actively involved in helping ensure the safety of children and adults in your home and your community.

Blood donors are heroes! Donating blood can save a life. No chemical, drug or fluid can replace human blood in an emergency. Blood cannot be manufactured. Give the gift of blood.Blood has a limited shelf life so new donations of all blood types are always needed. Donated blood is separated into three components-red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Every day about 38,000 units of red blood cells are given to Americans. Unfortunately, the demand for blood exceeds the donation of blood. Give something you can spare. Call the American Red Cross at 1- 800-733-2767 press 2 or go to redcross.org to find out where and when you can donate. By donating blood, you can save a life!

*Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are most at risk, but anyone can be affected. *

Dress warm for cold weather. Wear a hat, gloves, and a warm coat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Make sure students are dressed properly before leaving for school. Wear layers of loose fitting, warm clothing.

Many homes will be too cold this winter, due to a power failure or inadequate heating systems. Use caution with space heaters and fireplaces. Never leave children unattended near a space heater. Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire such as drapes, furniture, or bedding. Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater. Never bring outdoor heating devices into the home, such as propane/charcoal grills and propane cookers, as these items produce deadly carbon monoxide. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector if you use gas to heat your home.

Move family pets indoors, or to an enclosure out of the elements.

Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

Keep a warm blanket in your car while driving in case of an accident, or problems with your vehicle. Make sure you have a scraper to keep your windows clear of snow and ice.

When shoveling snow, use a small shovel- shovel many small loads instead of heavier ones. Take a break every 15min. If you experience warning signs of a heart attack, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, tightness in chest, arms, neck, or back. Call 911 immediately.